Safety Support Specialist

About the role

CERN is looking for a Safety Support Specialist to contribute to their mission of advancing scientific research while maintaining the highest standards of workplace safety across all operations. This full-time role is based in Geneva and centers on supporting safety initiatives that protect employees, contractors, and visitors throughout the facility. The specialist will help develop and implement comprehensive safety protocols, conduct regular assessments, and ensure that all activities align with applicable regulations and organizational policies. They will serve as a trusted resource for teams seeking guidance on hazard identification, risk mitigation, and compliance with safety legislation. The position requires strong interpersonal skills and a genuine dedication to fostering a proactive safety culture within a diverse and internationally renowned research environment.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Provide day-to-day safety guidance and advice to teams across multiple departments within the organization on a regular basis
• Assist in the development and thorough review of safety policies, procedures, and documentation for various operational areas and projects
• Conduct detailed site inspections and risk assessments to identify potential hazards and recommend appropriate corrective actions promptly
• Support incident investigation processes by gathering relevant data, interviewing affected personnel, and preparing comprehensive written reports
• Coordinate safety training sessions and awareness campaigns to ensure all staff members understand applicable regulations and best practices
• Liaise with external regulatory bodies and independent auditors during scheduled inspections and compliance review activities
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of safety incidents, near-misses, and corrective actions taken across the entire facility
• Advise management on safety performance metrics and emerging trends to drive continuous improvement efforts across the organization
• Participate actively in emergency preparedness planning and help coordinate drills and response procedures for various scenarios
• Collaborate closely with engineering and operations teams to integrate safety considerations into project planning and execution phases

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience working in a safety, health, or environmental role within a large and complex organization
• Strong understanding of occupational safety regulations and established best practices applicable to research and laboratory environments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English for preparing detailed reports and delivering formal presentations
• Ability to analyze complex workplace situations and apply regulatory knowledge to practical and often time-sensitive scenarios
• Proven track record of building positive and productive relationships with diverse stakeholders across multiple departments
• Experience with conducting thorough risk assessments and documenting findings in a clear, systematic, and actionable manner
• Willingness to travel occasionally between different sites and facilities as part of regular safety duties and responsibilities
• Degree in a relevant field such as occupational health, environmental science, or engineering is expected and required

Nice to have

• Familiarity with international safety standards and frameworks commonly used in research and laboratory settings globally
• Experience with managing safety data systems or databases for tracking incidents and compliance metrics over extended periods
• Knowledge of industrial hygiene principles and exposure monitoring techniques in scientific and research environments specifically
• Previous involvement in cross-functional safety committees or working groups within a large and established research institution

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in standard office productivity and reporting software for documentation creation and data management tasks
• Familiarity with safety management systems and frameworks commonly used in research organizations around the world
• Competence in analyzing and presenting safety data using spreadsheet applications and visualization tools effectively
• Understanding of regulatory compliance tracking methods and audit preparation procedures for both internal and external reviews
• Ability to use digital platforms for incident reporting and safety communication across distributed and remote teams
• Experience with maintaining and updating safety documentation and knowledge management systems on a regular and ongoing basis

Practical notes

• This is a full-time position based in Geneva, Switzerland, with standard working hours expected of all staff members
• The role may require occasional travel to other CERN facilities or partner institutions for safety audits and compliance reviews
• Candidates should be prepared to work collaboratively with a diverse, international workforce across multiple departments and operational sites
• The hiring process may include multiple interview rounds and a practical assessment of safety knowledge and relevant procedures
• All applicants should be ready to provide references and supporting documentation related to previous safety roles and responsibilities
• The organization values candidates who demonstrate adaptability and a willingness to learn new safety technologies and methods

About the company

CERN runs the biggest particle physics lab globally. Founded in 1954, headquarters sit in Meyrin near Geneva, on the France Switzerland border. Membership includes 25 nations. Israel joined in 2013 and resides outside Europe. United Nations General Assembly status is observer. Scientific exploration drives operations. International collaboration defines culture. Roles span engineering, computing, and research. Opportunities attract diverse talent. Ambitions center on advancing knowledge. Work happens at the intersection of theory and experiment, supported by shared infrastructure and open science principles.